The Nissan Pathfinder continues to impress with its thoughtful interior design, focusing particularly on seating comfort, premium materials, and flexible configurations across its diverse trim lineup. From durable cloth upholstery to luxurious semi-aniline leather, the Pathfinder offers a range of seating options that cater to different lifestyles, preferences, and needs. Let’s explore how the seating experience evolves across the various trim levels of this popular three-row SUV.

S Trim: Practical Comfort

The entry-level S trim provides a solid foundation with its practical yet comfortable seating arrangement. The seats feature durable cloth upholstery in a neutral Charcoal colour that balances style with everyday practicality. The fabric resists stains and wear, making it ideal for families and active lifestyles.

Standard on the S trim is an 8-way power-adjustable driver’s seat with manual lumbar support, allowing drivers to find their optimal position for long journeys. The front passenger enjoys a 4-way manually adjustable seat. Both front seats have the Nissan Zero Gravity technology, which uses biomechanical research to create a neutral posture that reduces fatigue during extended drives.

The second row features a standard bench configuration that accommodates three passengers, with a 60/40 split-folding design that allows for flexible cargo arrangements. The EZ FLEX seating system, standard across all trims, allows the second-row seats to fold forward with a simple button press, creating easy access to the third row even with a child seat installed.

The third row offers a 60/40 split-folding bench that can comfortably accommodate two adults or three children, with recline functionality that enhances comfort during longer journeys.

SV Trim: Enhanced Comfort

Moving up to the SV trim, the Pathfinder introduces several seating upgrades that enhance both comfort and convenience. The cloth upholstery receives a more refined texture and is available in both Charcoal and a lighter Sand colour option, allowing for more interior personalization.

The driver enjoys a 10-way power-adjustable seat with 2-way power lumbar support, while the front passenger gets an 8-way power-adjustable seat. Both front seats include heating functionality, a welcome feature in colder climates.

The second row maintains the bench configuration but adds a center armrest with integrated cup holders. The materials used in the SV trim also feature enhanced padding and support compared to the S trim, creating a more comfortable experience for all passengers.

SL Trim: Premium Leatherette

The SL trim represents a significant upgrade in the Pathfinder seating experience, introducing leatherette upholstery across all three rows. This premium material offers the look and feel of leather with enhanced durability and easier maintenance. Colour options expand to include Charcoal, Sand, and a rich Chestnut brown that adds sophistication to the interior.

Front seats in the SL trim gain memory functionality for the driver, allowing multiple drivers to restore their preferred seating position quickly. Heating functionality extends to the second-row outboard positions, ensuring that more passengers can enjoy temperature-controlled comfort.

The SL trim also introduces the option of second-row captain’s chairs, reducing total seating capacity from eight to seven but creating a more premium feel with enhanced comfort for second-row passengers. These captain’s chairs feature a convenient center walkthrough to the third row, eliminating the need to fold seats for third-row access.

Platinum Trim: Luxury Experience

At the top of the lineup, the Platinum trim elevates the Pathfinder seating to luxury levels with semi-aniline leather upholstery. This premium leather undergoes a special treatment process that preserves its natural characteristics while enhancing durability. The result is a softer, more supple seating surface that develops a beautiful patina over time.

The Platinum trim’s front seats feature both heating and cooling functions, providing year-round comfort regardless of external temperatures. The driver’s seat includes 3-way power lumbar support and a manual thigh extension cushion that provides additional support for taller drivers.

Second-row captain’s chairs come standard on the Platinum trim, featuring the same semi-aniline leather as the front seats. These seats include integrated armrests and enhanced padding for superior comfort. Heating functionality for these seats ensures that second-row passengers enjoy the same premium comfort as those in front.

The third row in the Platinum trim receives special attention with improved padding and recline angles, making it one of the most comfortable third-row experiences in the segment.

Rock Creek Edition: Durable Performance

The adventure-focused Rock Creek Edition features unique seating materials designed for durability and distinctive styling. The seats are a combination of leatherette and cloth with special Rock Creek embroidery and orange contrast stitching that highlights its rugged character.

The Rock Creek’s front seats include the same power adjustments found in the SL trim but feature more aggressive bolstering to provide better support during off-road adventures. The materials are specifically selected for resistance to dirt, moisture, and abrasion, making them ideal for active lifestyles.

The second row in the Rock Creek Edition comes exclusively in a bench configuration to maximize passenger capacity, while maintaining the heated outboard positions found in the SL trim. All seating surfaces feature the same durable materials and distinctive orange stitching as the front seats, creating a cohesive interior aesthetic.

Things People Don’t Know About 2025 Nissan Pathfinder Seats and Materials

• NASA researchers collaborated to develop the Zero Gravity seats found across all trim levels. These seats use 14 pressure points to reduce fatigue by up to 30% on long journeys.
• The semi-aniline leather in the Platinum trim undergoes a 30-day tanning process that uses less chemicals than conventional leather treatments, resulting in a more natural feel and improved breathability
• The cloth upholstery on the S and SV trims incorporates recycled materials equivalent to 35 plastic water bottles per vehicle, supporting Nissan sustainability initiatives
• The EZ FLEX seating system was tested over 10,000 cycles to ensure durability, with specific focus on families with child seats who frequently access the third row
• The leatherette material used in the SL trim maintains a consistent surface temperature that feels neither too hot in summer nor too cold in winter

Frequently Asked Questions About 2025 Nissan Pathfinder Seats and Materials

How many passengers can the Pathfinder accommodate across different seating configurations?

• The standard configuration with second-row bench seats accommodates eight passengers (2-3-3). Models equipped with second-row captain’s chairs seat seven passengers (2-2-3). Both configurations are available depending on trim level.

Are heated seats standard on all Pathfinder trims?

• No, heated front seats become standard starting with the SV trim, while heated second-row outboard seats are standard on SL and higher trims. The S trim does not offer heated seats as standard equipment.

Can child seats be installed in all three rows of the Pathfinder?

• You can install child seats in both the second and third rows. The second row features LATCH anchors for all three positions (or both captain’s chairs), while the third row includes LATCH anchors for the passenger-side position.

What is the difference between leatherette and semi-aniline leather in the Pathfinder?

• Leatherette is a synthetic material designed to mimic the look and feel of leather while offering improved durability and easier maintenance. Semi-aniline leather is a premium natural leather treated with a light protective coating that preserves its natural characteristics and softness.

Do any Pathfinder trims offer ventilated or cooled seats?

• Yes, the Platinum trim includes both heated and ventilated (cooled) front seats as standard equipment. This feature is not available on lower trims.

Can the third-row seats fold completely flat for cargo storage?

• Yes, the third-row seats in all models can fold flat into the floor, creating a level cargo area. The 60/40 split allows for flexible configurations that balance passenger and cargo needs.

Are the captain’s chairs removable for additional cargo space?

• No, you cannot remove the second-row captain’s chairs. However, they do fold forward to maximize cargo space when needed, and the center walkthrough provides additional flexibility for longer items.

What material is used for the Pathfinder headliner across different trims?

• The S and SV trims feature a durable cloth headliner, while SL and Platinum trims upgrade to a premium woven material that provides improved acoustics and a more upscale appearance. The Rock Creek Edition features a unique textured headliner material.

Does the Pathfinder offer massage functionality in any of its seats?

• No, massage functionality is not available on any trim level. However, the enhanced lumbar support in higher trims provides adjustable comfort during longer drives.

How much legroom is available in each row of the Pathfinder?

• It offers 1,072 mm of legroom in the first row, 899 mm in the second row, and 710 mm in the third row. These dimensions provide comfortable accommodation for adults in the first and second rows, with the third row being suitable for children and adults on shorter journeys.